Update: Police believe caller targeted Edmonds day care centers was out of state

Police speak to suspect, who is still at large

Jan 21, 2019

Updated 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22

Edmonds Police say they believe calls from a man who threatened several day care centers in Edmonds on Monday, Jan. 21, came from out of state.

“We do not believe that there is an immediate threat to our community,” Sgt. Josh McClure said in a news release Tuesday.

“The Edmonds Police Department will continue to work this investigation and use the resources of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, as appropriate. Our patrol officers will continue to provide a visible presence in your neighborhoods and exceptional response to calls for service.”

According to McClure, the first call came in about 12:45 p.m.

“The location received a phone call saying there would be a shooting there," he said during a media briefing Monday. “Officers arrived with minutes.”

While there, officers learned that the man called other locations, threatening violence there as well.

McClure said that a three of the day cares targeted were Grow With Us locations on 84th Avenue West, Edmonds Way and 196th Street SW. Also targeted were Great Kids Academy locations on 240th Street SW and 76th Avenue W.

McClure said the calls came through a message app, and that and Edmonds officer was able to speak to the caller over the phone for about 30 minutes.

“Edmonds police appreciate the public’s concern for the safety and well-being of all children, not only in Edmonds, but in our surrounding communities,” McClure said. “Threats against any member of the community are unacceptable, but threats made against innocent children are indefensible.

“We would also like to thank the Lynnwood Police Department, Mountlake Terrace Police Department and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office for the assistance in the initial response to Monday’s events.

“Officers and Deputies responded to five separate locations across Edmonds in a matter of minutes. It was another great example of cooperation between Snohomish County law enforcement.”

Original story

Police are trying to find out more about a man who threatened several day care centers in Edmonds on Monday, Jan. 21

According to Sgt. Josh McClure, the first call came in about 12:45 p.m.

“The location received a phone call saying there would be a shooting there," he said during a media briefing. “Officers arrived with minutes.”

While there, officers learned that the man called other locations, threatening violence there as well.

McClure said that a three of the day cares targeted were Grow With Us locations on 84th Avenue West, Edmonds Way and 196th Street SW. Also targeted were Great Kids Academy locations on 240th Street SW and 76th Avenue W.

McClure said the calls came through a message app, and that and Edmonds officer was able to speak to the caller over the phone for about 30 minutes.